FOR MEDIA RELEASEFAMILY STATEMENT RE: MARK SIMMS AND JORDAN LONG
Our hopes and prayers in Mark and Jordan's situation have always been for truth, evidence, fairness and
justice to be honoured. This was shown to be the case in a Cuban court of law with the unanimous
verdict for acquittal by five female judges. We are so grateful that the Cuban judiciary recognized that
the case against Jordan and Mark was based on a lie that had no evidence to support it, but in fact only
had evidence to refute it. As families, we knew from the start that the allegations were false, and the Rev.
Blake Field was so moved by everything he saw and heard in relation to the matter that he felt
compelled by his faith to speak publicly. In Cuba, unlike in Canada and many other western countries,
people accused of crimes are considered guilty until proven innocent. As such, the fact that the acquittal
was unanimous and unequivocal is particularly telling. Mark and Jordan and our families and friends
have endured tremendous suffering in every area of our lives for the last eight months- emotional,
physical, psychological, financial, spiritual and social. We have been overjoyed at the thought that this
ongoing nightmare would soon be over and that the long journey towards healing could finally begin.
Since we had the good news of their acquittal and exoneration, we have learned that the prosecution is
appealing the unanimous decision of the judges. We have been advised that appealing a verdict is
common procedure in Cuba. Nevertheless, as we enter month nine, this news comes as a painful
realization that the nightmare is not yet over. We expect that truth and justice will continue to prevail as
this process unfolds. However, timelines are unclear, and as such, we have no idea when to expect our
beloved Jordan and Mark to be able to return to their families, friends, communities and jobs. The
impact of this false allegation has been incalculable and continues to drain our resources with every
passing day. We expect the very highest levels of the Government of Canada to take action and work
collaboratively with Cuban authorities to expedite this process so that two innocent Canadian police
officers, who risk their lives daily to serve the public, are rightfully able to return home without further
delay. We also look forward to a prompt OPCC investigation so that the truth of this matter can be fully
revealed to Canadian authorities and the Canadian public. Our thoughts are with genuine victims of
sexual assault whose experiences are undermined by false accusations such as this.
We are grateful to God for the many blessings that have enabled us to get through this difficult time, and
we are uplifted by the incredible love and support for the boys and our families from friends, extended
family and church family, colleagues, acquaintances, and strangers, both here in Canada and around the
world. While we have experienced the worst aspects of human nature during this ordeal, we have also
witnessed the very best, which gives us faith that the light will overcome the darkness once and for all,
very soon.
We ask for your continued prayers for justice and truth and for the expeditious return of Mark and
Jordan to Canadian soil. We are holding on to the hope that they will be home to celebrate Christmas
with their loving families and friends.
With Gratitude,
The Long and Simms Families
November 19, 2018